When we look directly at our thoughts, they dissolve like bubbles in water.

The way to change others' minds is with affection, and not anger.

Compassion is not mere sentiment but a powerful force that can transform both ourselves and others.

The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don't wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy.

We can learn the art of fierce compassion - redefining strength, deconstructing isolation and renewing a sense of community, practicing letting go of rigid us-vs.-them thinking.

The purpose of studying Buddhism is not to study Buddhism, but to study ourselves.

The precious pot containing my riches becomes my teacher in the very moment it breaks.

Peace is not found by changing the world, but by changing your attitude to the world.

The practitioner and practice are like fire and wood. The more you practice, the more you burn.

What is evil? Killing is evil, lying is evil, slandering is evil, abuse is evil, gossip is evil, envy is evil, hatred is evil, to cling to false doctrine is evil; all these things are evil. And what is the root of evil? Desire is the root of evil, illusion is the root of evil.

The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.

The eye with which I see Buddha is the same eye with which Buddha sees me.

The purpose of meditation is not to create a mental vacuum but to come to know one's own mind.

Whatever precious jewel there is in the heavenly worlds, there is nothing comparable to one who is awakened.

Every moment is a fresh beginning. Every breath is a new chance.

Mindfulness is attention to life, and life itself is sacred.

The purpose of a spiritual discipline is to give us a way to stop the war, not by our force of will, but through understanding and through letting go.

People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth.

Should a person do good, let him do it again and again. Let him find pleasure therein, for blissful is the accumulation of good.

When dharma fills your body and mind, you realize that something is missing.

Since all things are empty of inherent existence, anything is possible. If things had inherent existence, nothing would be possible.

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

If you want to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be miserable, expect something in return.

The perfect moment is this one, not the one you're waiting for.

What we call "I" is just a swinging door which moves when we inhale and when we exhale.

Should you desire the great tranquility, prepare to sweat white beads.

Freedom is not found in the absence of difficulty, but in our relationship to it.

The secret of happiness lies not in getting what we want, but in learning to want what we already have.

The true path is not difficult; just avoid picking and choosing.

There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live.

The practice of patience guards us against losing our presence of mind.

Suffering comes from our resistance to what is. Peace comes from our acceptance of what is.

Change is possible because there is nothing inherently permanent about our disturbing emotions.